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Tech to Take Hit in First Bush Budget?
President Bush is expected to release his first budget at the end of the month, and a published report indicates at least one tech program might be slated for significant cuts. The Wall Street Journal in a February 16 article ("Bush Aims to Reduce Digital Divide Funds") reported that their sources indicate the U.S. Department of Commerce's Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) may be slashed 65 percent from $42.5 million to $15 million.
Established in 1994, TOP promotes the widespread availability and use of digital network technologies in the public and non-profit sectors. As part of the Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), TOP gives matching grants for model projects demonstrating innovative uses of network technologies. Recipients include state, local and tribal governments, health care providers, schools, libraries, police departments, and community-based non-profit organizations
More than 800 people attended the program's three technical assistance workshops held during the last two weeks in preparation for the FY2001
solicitation cycle. In FY 2000, TOP only had enough money to fund five percent of proposals received.
More information on the program can be found at: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/top/index.htm